Other Proposed Uses

Widely used in Chinese herbal medicine, the herb corydalis is said to alleviate pain by “moving qi” and “stimulating the blood.” These expressions refer to traditional concepts included within the complex theories of
traditional Chinese herbal medicine
. In terms of Western diagnostic categories, corydalis may be recommended for
soft tissue injuries
,
menstrual discomfort
, and abdominal pain.

The part of the plant used medicinally is the rhizome (underground stalk).

What is Cordyalis Used for Today?

There is no reliable evidence that corydalis or its constituents offer any medicinal benefits. Corydalis contains a number of active and potentially dangerous chemicals in the alkaloid family, including tetrahydropalmatine (THP), corydaline, protopine, tetrahydrocoptisine, tetrahydrocolumbamine, and corybulbine. Of these, THP may be the most active, as well as the most toxic (see
Safety Issues
).

Only
double-blind
, placebo-controlled studies can actually show that a treatment works, and there is only one such study that is relevant to corydalis. This trial tested THP as a treatment for a type of heart rhythm abnormality called supraventricular arrhythmia.
1
Reportedly, use of THP produced significant benefits as compared to placebo. However, this study was conducted in China, and there is considerable skepticism about the validity of Chinese medical trials.
2
(For information on why double-blind studies are essential, see
Why Does This Database Rely on Double-blind Trials?
)

Much weaker evidence from
animal
and
test-tube
studies hint that TNP or corydalis extracts might have pain-relieving, sedative, and anti-inflammatory effects.
3-5
Corydalis constituents may also affect neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and GABA.
6-7
Equally weak evidence hints at benefits for preventing or treating
cataracts
,
8
reducing blood coagulation,
9
and
lowering blood pressure
.
10
However, none of this research remotely approaches the level of evidence that can prove a treatment effective.

Dosage

Corydalis is usually taken at a dose of 5–10 grams daily, or equivalent quantities of an extract.

Safety Issues

Corydalis has not undergone any meaningful safety testing. The herb is known to produce immediate side effects, including nausea and fatigue, in some people. In addition, there are serious safety concerns related to its alkaloid constituent THP. Use of products containing THP has repeatedly been associated with severe and potentially fatal liver injury.
11-16

In addition, there are three reports that use of THP by young children has led to life-threatening suppression of the central nervous system.
17

For these reasons, we strongly recommend against the use of corydalis, especially by young children, pregnant or nursing women, or people with liver disease.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.